A Guide To Obtaining Air Pollution Control Permits doc

A Guide to Obtaining Air Pollution Control Permits | © City of Chicago 2011
A Guide To Obtaining
Air Pollution Control Permits
City of Chicago
Department of Environment
Division of Permitting and Enforcement
Rahm Emanuel
Mayor
A Guide to Obtaining Air Pollution Control Permits | © City of Chicago 2011
City of Chicago
Fee Schedule for Air Pollution Control Permits,
Architectural Surface Cleaning, Asbestos Abatement
and Demolition Review

As per City of Chicago Municipal Code §11-4-650 and 13-32-310, fees for the installation of industrial
process equipment, pollution control devices, unfired pressure vessels and combustion emission units (furnaces,
boilers, etc) are incorporated as part of the building permit fees, provided such equipment or devices were
included as part of the building permit review.
Fees for stand alone permits are as follows:

Industrial process equipment, pollution control devices, fuel burning equipment (furnaces, boilers,
etc), unfired pressure vessels, emergency generators, standby generators, food preparation units,
dry cleaning machines, process areas (including but not limited to grinding, sawing, sanding,
cutting, buffing, packaging, storing, assembling, machining, blending and mixing)
$150.00 per
piece of equipment or area

FEES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND ASBESTOS ABATEMENT AND DEMOLITION REVIEW
§11-4-2170 (g)

Residential structures with four or fewer units $300.00

Residential structures with more than four units $450.00
All other (nonresidential) structures $600.00
A mixed-use structure shall be assessed at the highest applicable rate. Work performed by or for the city shall
not be subject to the fee set forth in this section.
ARCHITECTURAL SURFACE CLEANING PERMIT FEES §11-4-2170 (H)
Architectural Surface Cleaning (grinding, chemical wash or sandblasting) projects
$200.00 per
building, structure or other architectural surfaces
A Guide to Obtaining Air Pollution Control Permits | © City of Chicago 2011
This booklet is aimed at helping businesses obtain a City of Chicago Air Pollution Control (APC) permit. It is
designed to help you determine if you need an APC permit and how to go about obtaining one. Assistance on how
to complete the application forms is also provided.
Do I need an Air Pollution Control Permit?
You will need an APC permit if your facility has the regulated equipment or regulated area as set forth in the
Chicago Municipal Code. In general, a piece of regulated equipment or regulated area is one that has a
potential to emit any air contaminant into the atmosphere. Neither the size of the facility nor the amount of
the air contaminant has any bearing on whether or not you need a permit. As defined in section 11-4-610 of the
Municipal Code, regulated equipment or area is “any combustion equipment, pollution control device, process
equipment, or process area.” Please see the definitions below for further information on the types of equipment
that require an APC permit.
Dust collector Emissions source
Spray booth Dry cleaning machine
EXAMPLES OF REGULATED EQUIPMENT
A Guide to Obtaining Air Pollution Control Permits | © City of Chicago 2011
DEFINITIONS:
Air Contaminant:
Any individual substance or matter, including but not
limited to smoke, soot, fly ash, dust, cinders, dirt,
acids, fumes, oxides, gases, vapors, odors, toxic or
radioactive substances, volatile organic compounds,

ozone, waste, particulate, solid, liquid or gaseous
matter, or any other material, which is a component of
or precursor to air pollution.
Air Pollution:
The presence in the outdoor atmosphere of any air
contaminant that (1) endanger the health, safety or
welfare of the public; (2) cause or may cause injury,
detriment, nuisance or annoyance to the public or
damage to business or property; or (3) leave the
premises on which they originated so as to interfere
with the reasonable and comfortable use and
enjoyment of property.
Air Pollution Control (APC) Permit:
A permit for the installation and operation of regulated
equipment or areas as required under section 11-4-620
of the Municipal Code. Prior to November 2009, APC
permits were referred to as Installation Permits.
Certificate of Operation:
An annual certificate required for operation of regulated
equipment or areas as required under section 11-4-660
of the Municipal Code.
Combustion Equipment:
Any equipment or device which generates heat or
energy by burning solid, liquid, or gaseous fuel or other
material, and which emits or has the potential to emit air
contaminants. Combustion equipment includes, but is not
to, boilers, furnaces, ovens, incinerators, and generators.
Emission Source:
Any and all sources of air pollution, whether privately or
publicly owned or operated. Emission source includes,

but is not limited to, all types of business, commercial and
industrial plants, workshops and stores, and power plants
and stations, buildings and other structures of all types,
including multiple-family residences, apartment houses,
office buildings, hotels, restaurants, schools, hospitals,
churches and other institutional buildings, automobiles,
trucks, construction equipment, underground or above
ground storage tanks, tractors, buses and other vehicles,
garages, vending and service locations or stations,
railroad locomotives, ships, boats and other waterborne
craft, portable fuel burning equipment, refuse dumps and
piles and all stacks, vents and other chimney outlets from
any of the foregoing.
Emission Unit:
Any part or activity at a stationary source that emits or has
the potential to emit any air pollution.
Pollution Control Device:
Any equipment or device used to eliminate, prevent,
reduce or control the emission of air contaminants to the
outdoor atmosphere. Pollution control device includes,
but is not limited to, scrubbers, dust collectors, thermal
oxidizers, cyclones, mist eliminators, catalytic oxidizers,
and electrostatic precipitators.
Process Area:
Any location within a facility where chemical,
industrial, commercial or manufacturing operations
are conducted, and which emits or has the potential
to emit air contaminants. Activities conducted in a
process area include, but are not limited to, motor
vehicle repairs, grinding, sawing, sanding, cutting,

buffing, packaging, assembling, machining, blending,
coating, plating, or mixing.
Process Equipment:
Any equipment or device used in any industrial,
commercial, or manufacturing operations for the
mechanical, thermal, or chemical treatment or processing
of a raw material, product, byproduct, and which emits
or has the potential to emit air contaminants. Process
equipment includes, but is not limited to, tanks, kettles,
CNC machines, kilns, ovens, non-residential food
preparation units vented to the outdoor atmosphere via a
hood, crucibles, stills, dryers, roasters, crushers, grinders,
blenders, mixers, reactors, regenerators, separators,
filters, columns, classifiers, screeners, quenchers, cookers,
washers, scrubbers, mills, condensers, absorbers, balers,
compactors, unfired pressure vessels, indirect fired
vessels, unit heaters, infrared heaters, makeup air units
with heating elements, agitators, and sedimentation and
classification devices. Process equipment also includes,
but not limited to, equipment or devices required for water
conditioning, treatment of industrial and municipal wastes,
metallurgical processing, pulp and paper production,
food processing, dry cleaning, petrochemical production
and other similar operations.
A Guide to Obtaining Air Pollution Control Permits | © City of Chicago 2011
REGULATED EQUIPMENT APPLICATION FORM
Boilers, furnaces, unit heaters, rooftop units FORM FB: APC Permit for a fuel burner
Unfired pressure vessel, air tanks, heat exchangers, hot
water storage tanks
FORM UPV: APC Permit for unfired pressure vessel

Incinerators (Pathological Waste) FORM IN: APC Permit for an incinerator
Industrial processes FORM A & FORM B: APC Permit application
summary and process equipment or area
Motor vehicle repair shops FORM MVR: APC Permit application for spray booth
or area
Paint industrial spray booths, powder booths FORM SB: APC Permit application for spray booth
Air pollution control devices FORM C: APC Permit application for control device
Food preparation units, kitchen hoods FORM FP: APC Permit application for food processing
unit
Compactors, balers FORM CB: APC Permit application for a compactor or
baler
Emergency generators FORM EG: APC Permit application for emergency
generator
Dry cleaning machine FORM DC: APC Permit application for dry cleaning
machine
When do I apply for an Air Pollution Control permit?
Pursuant to Section 11-4-620 of the Municipal Code, no person shall install, operate, replace, or relocate any
regulated equipment or area without a valid APC permit issued by the Department of Environment (DOE). In
addition, no person shall repair or modify such equipment or area if the repair or modification will increase the
quantity or change the nature of air contaminants emitted from such regulated equipment or area, without receiving
a new APC permit from DOE.

You are required to obtain a permit prior to installation and operation. However, if your equipment is already installed,
then you should apply for a permit as soon as you become aware of the permit requirement. (You will not be penalized
for failing to apply sooner, unless you fail to respond to a 30-day warning notice, known as a Defect Notice.)

What if I have been in operation for many years, do I still need to obtain an Air Pollution Control permit?
Yes, even if you have been operating for years without a permit and have been previously inspected by City inspectors,
you are still required to obtain an APC permit. This is true even if you have a Certificate of Operation issued by DOE.
This requirement has been in existence as far back as 1968 and there is no grandfather clause in the City of Chicago

environmental code to exempt older facilities or equipment from the requirements to obtain an APC permit. Certificates of
Operation may contain operating conditions and must be renewed annually. See section 11-4-660 of the Municipal Code
for more information on Certificates of Operation.
How do I apply for an Air Pollution Control Permit?
To begin the application process, use the table below to find the appropriate APC Permit application form(s). This table and
all related forms are available on DOE’s website at www.cityofchicago.org/environment.
Please note, if your project involves building construction or renovations, you have the option of applying through the
Department of Buildings (DOB) or directly to DOE.
A Guide to Obtaining Air Pollution Control Permits | © City of Chicago 2011
Air Pollution Control Permit and Certificate of Operation
If you are applying directly to DOE, attach the following items to your application form(s):
Check or money order made payable to the Department of Environment. Use the fee schedule to determine the
appropriate amount.
Notarized affidavit (use the affidavit form available on the Department of Environment’s website).
A copy of your business license.
Performance Standard for process equipment and control devices, if your permit is for a new facility or business;
or involves a major expansion of an existing business or facility. For a statement listing the Performance
Standard, please contact the City of Chicago Department of Housing and Economic Development.
If you are applying through DOB, you need to:
Complete the appropriate form(s).
Attach the completed form(s) to your DOB application.
When the application has been approved, an APC Permit will be issued and mailed to you by DOE within 30 days.
How often do I need to apply for a City of Chicago Air Pollution Control permit?
Your APC permit is valid for the life of the equipment at its current location. However, if you replace the equipment, relocate
it to another facility, or modify it such that the quantity or nature of air contaminants changes, you must obtain a new APC
permit. (Please note that Certificates of Operation must be renewed annually.)
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A Guide to Obtaining Air Pollution Control Permits | © City of Chicago 2011
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS OF PROPER PERMITTING
In addition to compliance with the Municipal Code, proper permitting will assist facilities with compliance with
current and future permit requirements at the local, state and federal levels. Furthermore, proper permitting will assist
Chicago with achieving the goals of the Chicago Climate Action Plan (CCAP). The CCAP outlines a road map to
reduce pollution and ensure a good quality of life for current and future generations. For further CCAP information,
visit www.chicagoclimateaction.org.
AVAILABLE PERMIT ASSISTANCE
DOE staff are available to assist businesses throughout the permitting process. Depending on your circumstances, you may
be eligible for one or more of the following:
Technical assistance to complete permit form(s) to accurately reflect equipment and conditions at the facility.
Assistance with grouping of equipment (where applicable) to reduce permit fees.
Payment plans for permit fees.
Time extensions (upon request) to prepare and submit permit applications (Note: This includes time extensions if you
have been issued a 30-day Defect Notice by DOE to submit appropriate permit application forms.)
If you have any questions or need such assistance, please contact DOE’s Chief Air Engineer (Otis Omenazu)
at 312.744.7206 or the DOB Environmental Review Desk at 312.744.8026.

HELPFUL HINTS IN COMPLETING THE APPLICATION FORMS
Source Information calls for the name and address of the facility in Chicago, Illinois, where the equipment is installed and
not the corporate office outside Chicago, Illinois.

Equipment or Area Information calls for a description of the type of equipment or process area for which you
seek a permit. In most cases, you will need to use separate forms for each type of equipment or area. Therefore,
both sections (equipment data and area data) will not be filled in on the same form. However, in some facilities,
such as Motor Vehicle Repair Shops, the same form may be used to apply for both the Spray Booth and the
Preparation or Mixing area. If you are uncertain, please call DOE for assistance.











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SOURCE INFORMATION
1) Source Name:
2) Source Street Address:
3) City: 4) State: 5) Zip:

6) Type of Raw Material Used:
7) Type of Product Produced:
8) Primary Industrial Classification (SIC) Category:
9) Primary SIC Number:
10) Source Environmental Contact Person:
11) Contact’s Phone Number:
EQUIPMENT OR AREA INFORMATION
Equipment Data: Title: Make & Model:
Dimensions: Number of Units:
Auxilliary Equip:
Connected to:
Area Data: Type of Area: Floor Dimensions:
Floor Area: Number of Areas:
Equipment in Area:
Connected To:
A Guide to Obtaining Air Pollution Control Permits | © City of Chicago 2011
Gas Burner Information calls for the name, make and model of the Boiler or Furnace and the rated input and
output of the boiler or furnace according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
4. What if:
The equipment is old and manufacturer’s specifications are not available?
Provide the description of the equipment and fill in “Custom” under make and model.
The amount of materials used or produced is not easily available?
It is acceptable to estimate to the best of your ability.
The contract to install the equipment has not been awarded to any company?
It is acceptable for the owner to be listed as the contractor also in such cases.
I already have an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) construction and operating permit?
You still need to apply for a City of Chicago Air Pollution Control permit.
ARCHITECTURAL SURFACE CLEANING PERMIT
SANDBLASTING, GRINDING OR CHEMICAL WASHING
Pursuant to the Chicago Municipal Code, section 11-4-2190, a permit is required for sandblasting, grinding or

chemical washing of any building, facility, statue or other architectural surface.
Please be advised that a separate permit is required for each site. Copies of the permit must be maintained at the
location being sandblasted, ground or chemically washed and be made available to City inspectors upon request.
No sandblasting, grinding or chemical washing may begin until your permit has been issued.
To obtain an “Architectural Surface Cleaning Permit,” please submit the following items:
A properly completed Architectural Surface Cleaning Permit Application Form (Form SC).
A copy of current City of Chicago Business License.
A copy of the “Notification Letter” sent or to be distributed to all residents within a 75-foot radius of the building
being cleaned.
If the architectural surface is painted, samples of the paint must be tested by a licensed laboratory for lead
content and the result of the analysis must be attached to the application.
Landmark authorization letter, if property is designated as Chicago landmark.
A written dust minimization-containment plan. Acceptable dust minimization plan must include the use of tarps
and any of the following: wetting, vacuum attachments, or the use of dustless grinders.
A check or money order in the amount of two hundred dollars ($200.00), made payable to the Department of
Environment.
Architectural surface cleaning must not commence prior to obtaining a permit from the Department of Environment.
Applicants should allow sufficient time for review of applications and processing/issuance of permits by the
Department of Environment. A Permit will be mailed to the applicant within 15 days. The Architectural Surface
Cleaning Permit shall be made available at all times at the project work-site for inspection by the Department of
Environment.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact DOE’s Chief Air Engineer (Otis Omenazu) at
312.744.7206 or the DOB “Environmental Review Desk” at 312.744.8026.


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GAS BURNER INFORMATION
Burner MRF: Model: No. of Units:
Input (X 1000 BTU): Output (x 1000 BTU):
A Guide to Obtaining Air Pollution Control Permits | © City of Chicago 2011
EXAMPLES OF REGULATED EQUIPMENT OR AREAS THAT NEED AIR POLLUTION CONTROL PERMIT
Rock crushing facility Rock crushing facility
Dust collection facility
Sandblasting sites
A Guide to Obtaining Air Pollution Control Permits | © City of Chicago 2011
City of Chicago
Fee Schedule for Air Pollution Control Permits,
Architectural Surface Cleaning, Asbestos Abatement
and Demolition Review

As per City of Chicago Municipal Code §11-4-650 and 13-32-310, fees for the installation of industrial
process equipment, pollution control devices, unfired pressure vessels and combustion emission units (furnaces,
boilers, etc) are incorporated as part of the building permit fees, provided such equipment or devices were
included as part of the building permit review.
Fees for stand alone permits are as follows:

Industrial process equipment, pollution control devices, fuel burning equipment (furnaces, boilers,
etc), unfired pressure vessels, emergency generators, standby generators, food preparation units,
dry cleaning machines, process areas (including but not limited to grinding, sawing, sanding,

cutting, buffing, packaging, storing, assembling, machining, blending and mixing)
$150.00 per
piece of equipment or area

FEES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND ASBESTOS ABATEMENT AND DEMOLITION REVIEW
§11-4-2170 (g)

Residential structures with four or fewer units $300.00
Residential structures with more than four units $450.00
All other (nonresidential) structures $600.00
A mixed-use structure shall be assessed at the highest applicable rate. Work performed by or for the city shall
not be subject to the fee set forth in this section.
ARCHITECTURAL SURFACE CLEANING PERMIT FEES §11-4-2170 (H)
Architectural Surface Cleaning (grinding, chemical wash or sandblasting) projects
$200.00 per
building, structure or other architectural surfaces
A Guide to Obtaining Air Pollution Control Permits | © City of Chicago 2011
A Guide to Obtaining Air Pollution Control Permits | © City of Chicago 2011
Rahm Emanuel
Mayor
© City of Chicago 2011
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